Poultry keepers are being reminded to stay vigilant after two wild buzzards were found to be infected with Avian Flu in the Bulworthy Forest/Alverdiscott area in January 2022.
While Torridge District Council say there is no need for alarm, they are reminding people that housing measures were introduced on November 29, 2021, and are still in place. It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds housed and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread and help to eradicate the disease.
Poultry keepers must do the following:
House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds.
Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds - if practical, use disposable protective clothing.
Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control.
Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis.
Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.
Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.
The Housing Order will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.
Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to Defra’s national dead wild bird helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (select option 7) and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301. Keepers should familiarise themselves with their avian flu advice.